Rumba, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha

THE CONTEST IS NOW OVER AND WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER SHORTLY. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS!Read on to enter to win a 12-CD set from Putumayo’s Latin Collection. Dan Storper is the CEO and Founder of Putumayo World Music.
As a young kid growing up in the 1950s, I remember watching my parents and their friends dancing the mambo and cha cha cha. While these weren’t styles they’d grown up with, it was easy to see the joy the music brought them. By the time Desi Arnaz aka “Rickie Ricardo” of I Love Lucy fame arrived on TV, these styles had become global phenomena and were being danced in every corner of the world. Fast forward to today and they’ve made a powerful comeback on TV dance shows and in dance studios and night clubs from Austin to Aberdeen.
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Putumayo’s new release, Rumba, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha, demonstrates the universal and lasting appeal of this retro-flavored music. And, since it provided the mellower underpinnings of the salsa boom that occurred a couple of decades later, it has similar appeal that brought global acclaim to the Buena Vista Social Club artists. As an indication of the music’s global popularity, this collection not only features several groups from Cuba, but also Latin bands from Scotland, Belgium, France and Russia.
Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha is now available in many Whole Foods Market stores along with other Putumayo Latin and international CD collections.
So, what’s your favorite Latin music style? Leave a comment below by May 4th for a chance to win a 12-CD collection from our Latin series.
THE CONTEST IS NOW OVER AND WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER SHORTLY. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS!

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Mambo, Merengue...I learned many Latin rhythms while dancing with my father to a Catskill Mountain band in the hotel's casino. How I loved the simplicity of it all. Now when I watch 'Dancing With The Stars' or PBS Ballroom contests, I am stunned by the 'variations' and athleticism of the performers. Rather like watching the Olympics now. 'Strictly Ballroom' remains a favorite film of mine, as it addresses how changed people's personalities can become with competition and how competition often changes our beautiful internal rhythms that we responded to once in innocence.

Wed, 2011-04-27 17:57

Dawn VarquezPaulk says …

I love flamenco guitar! My fathers family is from Spain and whenever I hear that music it makes me feel a connection to my fathers roots. It really makes me feel like dancing all over the house.

Wed, 2011-04-27 17:57

Christopher Frank says …

Having grown up in New York City I miss the music of Puerto Rico; when I came to Los Angeles this was not to be found; the closest that I have come to it is in the music of Cuba. Buena Vista Social Club - the movie and the CD of the same name is amazing; I was fortunate to see those musicians live at UCLA; shortly thereafter several of them passed away.

Wed, 2011-04-27 17:57

Susan says …

I'm a huge fan of the mambo! I think it comes from watching too much Dirty Dancing when I was a kid.

Latin music is the ultimate in soul through sound. I move to the beat of samba and salsa songs while running on the lake or while riding in my car. It allows me to feel and see the outer elements of life on a truly deep level.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:02

colleen reilly says …

As a kid I too watched 'I Love Luci' and loved Ricky Ricardo's music and fun loving dances- the Mambo always looked less structured and more fun than the Tango but I love all the music from both styles.
Every CD I have ever played from Putamayo has been outstanding and I love all of them!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:03

Nina says …

Being Latin, I grew up with salsa, cumbia, merengue, more recently bachata, so I find it impossible not to tune to the rhythms whenever I listen to them. I particularly like Cumbia because this is what we would dance for Christmas or parties or any "folksy" events. It is more the music of the people's. I also enjoy Colombian salsa because I find it has such a strong West African influence with its choirs and high pitch sounds. Yet, my heart most rejoices with Brazilian Bossa Nova, with its sweet melancholic tunes.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:03

Joanne Bosky says …

I don't have a favorite because I haven't been exposed to much Latin music--that's why I need the collection.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:05

Laura says …

I love Latin music with a little reggaeton style. I teach Zumba and anything upbeat is great!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:05

Melissa says …

When my energy is feeling a bit low, I always turn to Govi on my ipod. His guitar soothes and clears my head. I love Latin music for th energy and imagination it inspires!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:06

dboeger says …

While it's not listed above I love the Samba.
DB

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:08

Dianne Siegel says …

My favorite is bosa-nova.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:08

Ana Maria says …

Anything from Cuba is awesome!!!!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:08

angie says …

SALSA music &amp; dancing

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:09

AUGUST MARRERO says …

I am from Nawlins and all my life i have been influenced by Rumba, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha, Nawlins Congo Square and whole Nawlins music scene. my mama use to do the cha cha cha all the time she loved to dance. She died quite a few years ago at 79. i look forward to win these cds. I have the one by Mr. Boutte of one of your first albums i think i meet his sister at Offbeat Magazine who gave me this cd for signing up for offbeat magazine subscription about 5-10 maybe more i forget. by the way i am 1/2 puerto rican my fathers dad my grandfather would always dance the flamingo he was puerto rican and my mothers side cajun and german.
God Bless America
august carmelo marerro from nawlins living in san antonio, Texas

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:09

Nichole T says …

I love latin fusion and salsa.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:09

Christine says …

I love the Samba!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:10

Jim B says …

I love the Latin beat, the Latin sound, the Latin energy! Just wish I had time to learn the Latin dances to really get into the whole adventure.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:10

Donna says …

Hands down the Samba. I hear the music and I want to dance.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:11

Judy says …

Putamayo makes great World Music cd's. Id love to add these to my growing collection!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:13

Diane says …

I love Latin music! My son and I took a dance class a few years back. And my favorite dance to learn was the Mambo! Wonderful memories of a fun time shared with my son!

We lived in Mexico for a time and really fell in love with cumbia music. The dancing makes it even more fun!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:17

Rosa says …

Latin Jazz and cumbia are my favorite music style!!
Thanks.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:17

Edward Arno says …

My favorite Latin music must be Colombia pop 2002 Un Cha Cha Cha de amor with Shakira and Carlos Vines. I also love Gloria Trevi
I feel I need to have more so I can expand my knowledge and enjoyment

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:18

Christine says …

our living room is empty of furniture because of our love of dancing! What better music to dance to?!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:18

bella bugs says …

I love Merengue. Hip swaying., good feeling beat.
Just the names of Latin music makes you want to dance !

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:22

Barbara B says …

Love the old stuff from Lucy! Wish I was a better dancer though,cuz they are great to dance to.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:25

Mark DuVall says …

I need this Latin Music for my neighborhood party on N Main. I am ready to Rumba!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:27

Juli says …

Ten years ago I was living in Ecuador and when I hear any salsa or merengue, I'm right back in my little town dancing in the street. Such happy memories!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:28

Holly A says …

BaBaLoo! For me, it's gotta be the Mambo. I grew up on I Love Lucy reruns and old Carmen Miranda movies. There is something quaint and fun-loving about that 1950's-era, Americanized Latin music. Think Rosemary Clooney singing "Mambo Italiano." It puts a spring in my step.
I'd love to hear a wider range of more "authentic" Latin music.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:29

kerry says …

Javier Garcia - great mix
South American harp

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:31

Sharon says …

I like it all! I would like to win the CD collection to play at my Cinco do Mayo celebration in my classroom. I teach children with disabilities in a low income neighborhood. All of the families I work with are Latino. I intend to have translators at the party and would like to know what the parents think of the music. It would be a great conversation starter.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:35

Jill Venezian says …

This prize comes just in time for the September reunion of my Colombian returned Peace Corps volunteer group! I would be delighted to win the 12-CD set from Putumayo’s Latin Collection, and so would my cumbia-loving friends.

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:35

Jenni says …

I'm relatively new to Latin music, having lived in New England until now. Before moving to the Southwest, the only thing close to Latin music I had heard was Peruvian flute music! Now that I'm living in Phoenix I'm hearing a lot more styles and enjoying most of it!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:36

Erica Fonck says …

I would have to say cha cha cha all the musical way!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:36

Gloria Deffenbaugh says …

What a great way to incorporate dancing into my exercise routine, which right now is pretty boring! If I had some lively tunes with some great rhythms, it sure would make exercising more fun. Gloria

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:38

Ann Kelly says …

I love to dance! My favorite dance music by far is anything Latin. I started out with the Cha Cha and moved on to the Rumba. Just listening to the Latin rhythms wake me up. My hips start to sway, my feet start tapping, my heart lifts, and I am taken away to a warm tropical place. Ama la vida con Putumayo!

Wed, 2011-04-27 18:39

Chaya says …

I like Latin Jazz, Hip hop en espanol, and cuban. Some reggaeton, salsa, and cumbia. I'd love to learn more about other styles and the ones I'm familiar with too!

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